Madhya Pradesh is a treasure trove for sightseers, boasting a rich cultural and spiritual legacy. Scattered throughout the state are magnificent landmarks, intricately carved temples, stupas, forts, and palaces. Among these, a stunning collection of buildings from the Gurjara-Pratihara and Gupta dynasties exemplifies the architectural mastery of a bygone era. Within a short distance of Gwalior, the wonders of the Padavali, Bateshwar, and Mitaoli temples await discovery.
Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary for Tourism and Culture and Managing Director of the Tourism Board, highlighted Madhya Pradesh as an offbeat multispecialty destination of first choice. “The state has gained soaring popularity and set a new tourism record in 2023, with tourist footfalls reaching 112.1 million, three times that of 2022’s 34.1 million,” he noted.The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is introducing forward-thinking innovations, from adventurous activities and immersive travel opportunities to safe travel options and eco-tourism initiatives, enhancing the travel experience. The Heart of Incredible India offers a perfect blend of breathtaking architecture, immaculate landscapes, and traditional customs, making it a one-stop shop for visitors from both domestic and international locations.
Mitaoli: An Enchanting Circular Temple
In the town of Mitaoli lies the renowned Chausath Yogini Temple, perched on a hill embraced by lush greenery. A climb of around 100 steps reveals the grandeur of this impressive circular temple, believed to have been built by Maharaja Devapala. The Parliament House in modern Delhi is said to have been inspired by the circular plan and architectural complexities of the Mitaoli temple. Additionally, it is believed that Mitaoli, Padavali, and Bateshwar formed a brilliant triangle where a university existed approximately 1,000 years ago, imparting knowledge in Arithmetic, Astrology, and Hinduism using sunbeams.
Bateshwar: A Cluster of Serene Temples
The Bateshwar temples, a congregation of nearly 200 small-scale sandstone sanctums dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, spread over 25 acres of land near Padavali. These temples were constructed between the 8th and 10th centuries AD, likely during the Gurjara-Pratihara era. The surrounding wilderness teems with beautiful birds like peacocks, parakeets, and kingfishers, and one can often spot the national bird, the peacock, displaying on the rooftops of the temples.
Padavali Fort: A Legacy in Stone
Approximately 25 kilometers from the city of Morena lies the imposing Padavali Fort, built in the 18th century by the Jat Rana rulers of Dhaulpur. Guarded by statues of a lion and lioness, the fort also houses a temple that once served as a sacred place to worship Lord Shiva. Each stone in the fort and temple construction tells a story through its intricate carvings and inscriptions, depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas.
A Glimpse into Madhya Pradesh’s Glorious Past
The columns, lintels, and pillars of these structures are adorned with carved scenes from epic tales. The divine trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are depicted throughout their childhood, youth, and later years. Additionally, carvings portray Krishna Leela, Samudra Manthan, the wedding of Ganesha, Shiva dancing in his fearsome form, the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, and countless other deities and goddesses.
All three locations—Mitaoli, Bateshwar, and Padavali—stand as grand testaments to Madhya Pradesh’s rich architectural history, leaving visitors mesmerized. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is working diligently to ensure that these places are not missed by those exploring the wonders of Madhya Pradesh.
